Hey there! Today I’m sharing my cozy thoughts on Kabuto Park. This tiny bug collection game from Doot Tiny Games launched on May 28, 2025. It’s already racking up overwhelmingly positive reviews. If you love summer vibes, cute critters, and simple competition, this one might be your next chill fix.
Overall Impressions
Kabuto Park put a smile on my face from the first click. The core loop—catch bugs, train them, and battle—feels breezy and fun. I especially loved the Summer Beetle Battles Championship. It adds a light competitive edge without overcomplicating things. Compared to other chill sims, Kabuto Park leans more on casual battles than sprawling open worlds. It doesn’t drown you in side quests. Instead, it keeps you focused on tiny friends and shiny hunting. My only nitpick? The main run took me about four hours to snag every achievement. It felt a bit short, but I didn’t regret a minute.
Gameplay Mechanics
The game mechanics are impressively smooth. You upgrade nets, bug food, and battle gear using simple menus. Catching bugs feels rewarding thanks to neat little animations. I’ve never been an isopod collector in real life, but I got hooked on shiny hunts as soon as I read those “cute facts” pop up. One player said, “This game is perfect for my real-life bug hobby,” and I totally get that thrill. Battling feels fair and strategic. You pick three bugs per skirmish, each with unique traits. I swapped beetles and snails to toy with different strategies. That variety kept me experimenting. The only downside? After maxing out achievements, I craved a few more unique bugs or new battle modes.
Story and Characters
Don’t expect a deep narrative here. Instead, Kabuto Park’s story is sweet and simple. You play as a park visitor aiming to become Summer Beetle Champion. Along the way, you meet friendly NPCs who tip you off about rare bugs or local lore. Ultimately, the charm mainly comes from the bug descriptions. Each critter has a pronoun, a fun fact, and a personality snippet. I grew fond of a tiny stag beetle named “Twig.” He practically squeaked every time he battled. While the world-building won’t rival big-budget RPGs, I still felt connected to my little team of bugs. Their quirky traits and silly animations sparkle throughout the park.
Visuals and Graphics
I can’t get enough of the art style. Kabuto Park uses bright, hand-drawn sprites that pop on screen. Every bug design feels unique and silly in the best way. The park itself shifts from sunny meadows to murky ponds, each area adding fresh color palettes. I often paused just to admire the backgrounds. One review called the graphics “adorable,” and I agree wholeheartedly. The polished animations—especially when a shiny beetle appears—add an extra layer of delight.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack, composed by Zakku, is another highlight. Cheerful tunes play as you explore and switch to upbeat tracks during battles. The music never overstays its welcome. It sets a relaxed mood perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy evening wind-down. Sound effects are subtle but well-placed. You hear leaves rustle when a bug escapes your net and hear tiny battle grunts when they clash. No voice acting here, but the ambient sounds and music more than carry the experience. One player said, “Great with a cup of tea at the end of your day,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Difficulty and Replayability
Kabuto Park sits on the easy side. Beginners can jump in without feeling lost. The achievement hunt finishes in about four hours, but you can extend playtime by chasing shinies or testing new strategies. I replayed a few battles just to see how different bug combos would fare. Other players have noted the simple loop can feel repetitive, but I found it satisfying. If you’re a completionist or shiny hunter, the game offers a neat little challenge. I’d love to see a post-launch update with new bug species or limited-time tournaments. That would boost replay value even more.
Behind the Scenes Trivia
Doot Tiny Games is a small indie duo. Doot handles coding and design, while Zakku composes music and tunes. They drew inspiration from real-life entomology guides, so every bug fact has a kernel of truth. The team promised a free summer festival update later this year. That update may add rare tropical bugs and seasonal gear. I’m already looking forward to it!
Final Thoughts
Kabuto Park delivers a sweet, cozy experience that’s easy to love. It stands out with its bug-fact library, polished battles, and charming visuals. Yes, it’s short. Yes, the loop is simple. But sometimes, that’s exactly what you crave after a long day. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a budding entomologist, you’ll find joy in this tiny summer world.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
The game delights with its adorable bug designs and charming hand-drawn art style, creating a visually engaging world that’s hard not to love. Its simple yet satisfying battle mechanics provide a smooth and enjoyable gameplay loop, accessible to both casual and seasoned players. The soundtrack, composed by Zakku, enhances the experience with catchy and atmospheric tunes that perfectly complement the whimsical setting. Adding to the fun is the element of shiny hunting and the inclusion of interesting bug facts, which inject a layer of discovery and educational value that makes the game even more endearing.
Cons
The main loop of the game is relatively short, clocking in at around four hours, which may leave some players wishing for more extended content. Additionally, the post-game offerings are currently limited, providing minimal incentive for continued play after the main story concludes.
If you’re hunting for a relaxing, bite-sized sim with just enough competition, Kabuto Park is a perfect pick. Don your net, grab a snack, and head into the park—you’ll leave with a smile (and maybe a shiny beetle friend).
